Conference vmszoo::rc

I used an early version and didn't really care for it. I was a pretty reasonable
package for $99.00, but just a bit too basic for my needs. I have since tried
AutoSketch and finally settled on DesignCAD 2D. DesignCAD is made by the
same people as ModelCAD, but its a complete CAD package. You can usually find
it for $179.00, either mail order or in discount software shops. I think the
extra $80.00 is money well spent as you get an excellent full-blown CAD package.
All of the PC rags rave about DesignCAD 2D, usually calling it the best CAD
package available for the money.

Be aware that the documentation that comes with all of the above mentioned
packages is *reference only*. Figuring out how to design an airplane (or anything
else for that matter) is up to you. Its easy once you know how, but its a bitch
to learn on your own. I strongly recommend getting a how-to book on whatever
package you choose from your local computer-book store.

Good luck,

Randy

P.S. I have AutoSketch versions 2.0 and 3.0 for sale cheap if you'd like to try
either one. ($50.00 takes both). They're more extensive that ModelCad, but not
as good as DesignCAD. AutoSketch is produced by the AutoCad people.

    Give me more info about Autosketch how does it compare with UGII or
    Paint that we have on our DEC system. It sound's like a hand drawing
    software. I am looking for something that enables me to create detail
    design. I thought that ModelCAD would have already made profiles or
    something that would ease or speedup plane design. But if I still have
    to create everything from scratch then I would rather by a software
    closer to UGII. 
    
    
    Thanks
    
    Jacques
    

Jacques,

AutoSketch is a low-end CAD package as is ModelCAD. Paint, and I expect UGII, are
drawing/presentation programs. They do not have the tools necessary to develop
accurate engeneering type drawings such as model airplane plans. AutoSketch,
ModelCAD, DesingCAD 2d, etc. have all of these tools. CAD and Paint/Draw programs
are *NOT* the same thing!


From your question I infer that you are probably a novice in the CAD area. I
strongly recommend that you do some reading about how CAD is used and how
drawings are developed before you buy any software. Otherwise you may well end 
up buying several packages before you find one that will work for you. (As I
did) PC magazine has done a very complete evaluation of the available low-end
CAD packages sometime in the last six months. Waldensoft or any other computer
bookstore will have lots of books on CAD and how-to's for the various packages
available.

Once you find a package you like I think and get the hang of it I think you'll
find it very useful if you're into scratch building. I put all the parts in the
computer and then print out templates that I stick to the balsa, ply, whatever
with 3M 77 spary glue and start cutting.

Oh yeah, one other thing. You must have a decent printer. I use a Panasonic KXP 
1124i. You have to be able to print something out at the same precision at which
you drew it. A plotter is nice (I also use an HP7475A that I borrowed from 
Digital), but not essential.

Hope this helps,

Randy
(No longer a novice)

    Your right Randy I am a novice. I'm just looking for a system now. What
    size of system would you recommend. I'm currently looking at the DEC
    Tiger 340dx that I want to upgrade in a year or so to a 450dx2
    
    As for the printer would a DEC LA70 be accurate enough?
    
    Last, how much memory does this program take, the system I'm looking at
    gives 4MbRAM, 1.44 Floppy and 52Mb Hard disk
    
    
    Thanks
    
    Jacques
    

Jacques,

The 340 should be fine, but invest in a math co-processor if CAD will be a large
part of your computing. 4mb of memory is fine for small CAD stuff, but you
need to balance your CAD work against the other things you'll be doing on the
machine. Configuring PC's is an exercise in frustration and you can't build
a perfect system.

An LA70 probably won't do what you want for CAD and you may find that its not
supported by that CAD package you choose. I'd strongly recommend buying any one
of the many 24 pin printers on the market today. Most are at or under $300.00
and well worth the investment. Again read reviews in the PC mags to get an idea
of what is available at what price.


Since you're starting from scratch in the PC space as well as CAD I'd suggest you
try and find a local PC expert that you can trust and have them help you
configure your system. If you can't find anyone then read as many PC mags as
you can for a month or two then start shopping for a system. I recommend
PC Magazine for product reviews and Computer Shopper and PC Sources for reviews
and info on where to buy for the best prices.

Randy